But the club's head physio Steve Allen said: "A scan has revealed a small tear in a muscle, and the recovery period is around three weeks.

"However, he has responded well to initial treatment and we are hopeful he might even be back sooner."

Lucas Neill, who hurt his ankle in the FA Cup tie last month, could return to face Watford on Saturday.

Meanwhile, West Ham look likely to escape a points deduction in the row over Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

The Premier League will discuss the controversy on Thursday after it was alleged West Ham broke rules which prevent clubs signing players who are owned by third parties.

The club, it is alleged, also failed to provide documentation when the Argentines joined in August.

Although West Ham hold the players' registrations, Mascherano is allegedly part-owned and Tevez solely owned by businessman Kia Joorabchian, who headed a consortium interested in taking over the club when they signed.

The deal was struck by the previous regime and, given the circumstances, it is unlikely the club will be docked points.